Preview: Canberra United v Melbourne City

One of the match-ups of the Westfield W-League season looms for nationwide TV viewers as champs Canberra United host leaders Melbourne City, and their all-star line-up.

Much interest will focus on Canberra United, and how much of a dent they can put in the newly-minted Melbourne City machine. It will be a scary prospect for the rest of the Westfield W-League if a strong Canberra outfit become the latest victim of the Melbourne City steamroller.

But if anyone can do so it is Canberra. They overpowered Sydney FC 3-0 in their last outing, thus providing evidence that not only has the momentum from last year remained, but their new personnel have fitted in seamlessly.

The team from the nation’s capital did, however, suffer a blow in midweek with confirmation that star English striker Jodie Taylor will be forced to sit the season out recuperating from a persistent knee complaint. Pre-season reports had initially lined up this match for Taylor’s debut in green. Nevertheless, Canberra still boast plenty of attacking threats all over the park.

Facing them is a Melbourne City outfit who have more than justified the hype, scoring 12 goals and conceding just one for a perfect record of three wins from as many starts.

As if that record was not imposing enough, coach Joe Montemurro has the option of starting Scottish pair Kim Little and Jennifer Beattie for the first time this weekend after the duo debuted off the bench last weekend.